05DIA in 2012

2012 was DIA’s first full year as a listed company and the year the stock was included in Spain’s benchmark blue chip index, the IBEX 35. It was also a year marked by earnings momentum. Despite the challenging economic environment, marked by widespread contraction in consumption and the retail sector, DIA’s gross under-banner sales extended the growth of prior years to reach €11.68 billion.

DIA remains strategically committed to dynamic growth, both geographically, particularly in high-growth markets such as Brazil, and sector-wise, boosting its specialism in core segments such as fresh produce (with the new DIA Fresh format) and the household, health and beauty goods segment (with the acquisition of Schlecker in Spain and Portugal). This growth was underpinned by continued productivity and efficiency gains, driven crucially by the refurbishment and modernisation of the store network as well as consolidation of the franchise model, which now accounts for 41.8% of the group’s establishments.

In short, in a challenging year, DIA once again met and surpassed all the guidance provided to the market at the start of the year.